Between the Lines: Arizona Governor Seeks to Impeach Redistricting Panel

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Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer has taken the first step Wednesday in what had been previously called “the nuclear option” in seeking a more Republican-friendly redistricting map.

The GOP governor began the impeachment process for removing members from the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission by submitting a letter outlining her grievances to commission Chairwoman Colleen Mathis.

“I have issued to each member of the IRC a letter with a detailed set of allegations that rise to the level of substantial neglect of duty and gross misconduct,” Brewer said in a news release.

Arizona Democratic Party Executive Director Luis Heredia described the governor as “drunk with power,” calling the move “a brazen power grab that would rival any in Arizona history.”

“She is moving toward impeachment of citizens on the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission simply because these volunteers have fulfilled their duty to draw fair and competitive districts,” he said.

Commission Executive Director Ray Bladine said the commission’s legal counsel will offer a response to Brewer’s “serious allegations against all five commissioners.”

“Hopefully, that will resolve the matter, because continuing down this precarious path could end up sticking the taxpayers with substantial legal expenses,” Bladine said in a statement. The commission “certainly is interested in improving upon the draft maps,” he added, pointing to public hearings that are being held around the state to solicit Arizonans’ ideas.

Brewer has the authority to remove members of the commission, with the consent of two-thirds of the Arizona state Senate, if there is a finding of “substantial neglect of duty, gross misconduct of office, or an inability to discharge the duties of office.”

Republicans hold 21 of the 30 state Senate seats, and at least one Republican is using similar language to describe the commission’s efforts. State Senate Majority Whip Steve Pierce called the commission’s work “egregious.”

“Right now, I don’t think we have the votes,” Pierce told Roll Call on Tuesday. “But we could have the votes.”

Under a proposed redistricting map, there is a possibility that Democrats could gain seats in Republican-controlled Arizona, and unhappy national and Arizona Republicans have been livid.

The redistricting commission comprises two Democrats, two Republicans and one registered Independent. The map is currently in a monthlong “public comment” period, in which the commission seeks voter feedback on the map.

A panel of legislators called the Joint Legislative Committee on Redistricting is reviewing the commission’s work. Originally, four Republicans and two Democrats were to have been included in the group, but the two Democrats boycotted the hearings.

The Joint Legislative Committee will submit its recommendations to the redistricting commission. If those recommendations are not heeded, Republicans are seriously considering the removal effort, and Brewer’s move Wednesday night is a first step in that direction.

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March 13, 2015

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., right, hugs Harold Schaitberger, General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, after the Congressman spoke at the IAFF's Legislative Conference General Session at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, March 9, 2015. The day featured addresses by members of Congress and Vice President Joe Biden.